Based on his appearance at the Patriots’ offseason program yesterday, he might be looking to level the entire house in 2013. Ridley has added some noticeable muscle, which won’t be well-received news for the defenders who continuously bounced off him during a breakout season that included 1,263 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

At this time last year, Ridley was among a host of backs vying for playing time, but there was no guarantee how the reps could be divided. He ran well enough to command 290 carries, which made him the closest thing the Pats have had to a feature back since Corey Dillon in 2004.

With a little more comfort and a clear dedication to the physical side of the offseason, Ridley might have a more punishing campaign in store for his third season.

“Just still grinding,” said Ridley, who also noted he no longer feels any ill effects from a concussion suffered in the AFC Championship Game. “I’m happy. Some things went well for me and the team (last season). It worked out for me, but for the future and what’s coming up, you’ve just got to keep working. You know you can’t just do it one year. You’ve got to be consistent with your production. We’re just going to keep working hard. I’m going to keep following my teammates, and challenging each other and trying to put us in the best shape we can be in.”